McCain Scarborough 10k

Did the Yorkshire Coast 10k yesterday in glorious weather and good atmosphere. It was a shame to see the old watersplash and outdoor theatre in such a state of disrepair. Quite pleased with my time of 42m53s and Tracey was pleased to get a spot prize for best hair style! Fell series starts next Sunday at Saltersgate so looking forward to that and the Guy Fawkes which is probably my favourite race of the year. Did the Sutton 7 and Foston and Thorton Le Clay 10k over the last 2 weekends so been keeping busy despite the lack of blogs. (Taken up golf and it is very time consuming!)

Ryedale Run and club champs

I did the Ryedale run last weekend in a time of 1h15m which was a big improvement (13m) on last year when I had a shocker. I have a fondness for the race but would like to shake Malton up to try and get some support and a decent finish and to make it a good distance instead of the ridiculous 10,75 mile. Today saw our club championships which despite the great efforts of the organisers is a bit of a hotch potch as far as the race goes. At least we have managed to get the trophy awarded to the fastest runner this year. Once more lots of dubious times were given as the "handicap" to work off. This system really does not work if people cannot be honest. Next weekend we are going for a trip to the lakes to run in the Langdale half marathon which will be a little different from the other race going on next weekend!

Escrick 10k

After a 2 week break from running I finished the Escrick 10k in 43m30s which was a big improvement from my dire effort in the Askern 10 mile race. I took 1h28m to finish and was totally raced out after a spell of 22 races in 16 weeks. After a lovely week walking in the Austrian mountains I was more up for running again and enjoyed this well oraginsed race only in its 2nd edition. A strong headwind for the first 3k proved tough as did the heat but overall a nice run.

Idle 10k

Did the Idle AC 10k today. A lovely course, especially the bit by the towpath. Not officially measured but not a PB course anyway. Took it fairly easy and then had plenty left for a sprint finish and managed to win a spot prize of some running socks. The highlight of the day was definitely lining up in the same field as the legendary Ron Hill MBE. Tracey managed to give him a run for his money but ended up 20secs behind him, he has had more practice! Nice run, good goody bag and a really friendly atmosphere, just a shame about the traffic coming home!

Sub 20 5k

We did the Beverley 5k Classic last Friday night and I was really up for it. I was keen to break 20 mins and set off ok. I was under 5 mins for the first lap and managed to keep my pace up. I finished in 19m08s which I was delighted with and the only problem was I was lapped as I completed my 3rd lap, (4 laps of 1.25k) The winner did it in 14m18s for a course record and appeared to be flying as he went past me. I really enjoyed the run but not as much as the large curry afterwards! Didn't run with the club this week as there was some confusion over location so we were sat waiting at Hutton le Hole whilst the run started from Lastingham! A week off won't do any harm and we are travelling to Bradford on Sunday for the Idle 10k trail race.

Stillington Handicap

Stillington Handicap turned out to be a real fun race. I was getting a bit disheartened in the first 5k as I did not seem to be gaining on anybody. After that the rain started falling and I think I quickened up a bit. Maybe didn't want to get wet! The finish was fantastic with runners everywhere after the 9k marker. The handicapping must have been pretty good. I managed to run to 1 second of my handicap which equates to 1 second off my PB although there have been mutterings that the course was a touch short. Had a very lethargic club run at Thixendale last night and off to Beverley tonight for my first ever 5k. Guaranteed PB !!!

Burton Leonard

Had a nice run at Burton Leonard on a fairly demanding course. Managed 45m06s which I was happy with. Tracey did 1h1m1s which was a bit slower than normal but she did do Bishop Wilton half marathon 24 hours earlier! Nice course and nice village, that was the last one for us in a thoroughly enjoyable Black Sheep Series.

Club run

Lovely club run tonight at Lockton. One of my favourites. Cross the main road and to the Bridestones then into Dalby forest and a bit of cycle track before heading back. Good turnout. Tracey has gone to do Bishop Wilton Half today but I fire cover was low so I could not book time off from Fire Station. Last race for us in this years Black Sheep Series tomorrow at Burton Leonard so hope conditions are good.

Kilburn 7

Completed the Kilburn 7 yesterday in 51m31s. It was a lovely run in what is some of my favourite countryside anywhere. I was still suffering with a niggly hamstring so took it easy to start with. Picked up my pace for the last 3 miles and was pleased with how it went. Didn't suffer any repurcussions afterwards either. Was in two minds whether to do the race beforehand, especially when I got there and saw Darren Bilton, Gary Dunn and Ian Fisher lining up, I really fancied watching them come back but decided to rely on my dad's report of their finish. A bit of a rest now till the club run on Thursday and then the Burton Leonard 10k which will complete the Black Sheep Series for me as the final race is the same day as our club champs.

It's a PB

Got up this morning and checked the published times for the Wistow 10k and it appears I ran a PB last night. I managed to knock 32 seconds off to record 40m.29s so I have been on a high all day. Good job I didn't get dope tested as I may have proved positive for paracetemol. I have Mike Hetherton to thank for pacing me. Perhaps next year I will try to go sub 40! Dream on...

Just got back from Wistow where I had a good run. Took some painkillers before the race as still feeling the effects of Burn Valley. Managed to stay in front of Mike Hetherton until 6k when he came past me and said we were running at 40m pace. I had my finish time down as 41m30s but not certain so will have to wait for the results to be published. Club handicap on Thursday but I have volunteered to timekeep so will play squash before and then save myself for Kilburn feast 7 miler on Sunday.

Burn Valley Half

Managed to complete the Burn Valley Half yesterday in very hot conditions. I enjoyed the run but found it very tough. It seemed to be relentless hills. I normally thrive on the hilly sections but I really felt it in this race. Finished in a respectable time of 1h38m and managed to stay in front of quite a few who beat me at Rainton the week before. Tracey suprised me finishing in 2h8m which was quicker than I expected and then said she loved the run which was also not expected as she hates hills! Felt a bit of a twinge on my hamstring but hopefully nothing much as it is the 10k at Wistow on Tuesday night. I will test it with a game of squash tonight!

Missed the club run

Just on my way to the club run tonight and my alerter went off so had to stop the car run to the fire station and off to an RTC. Tracey went to the run and came back and told me what a lovely run it was with super views! I was not too upset as I felt fairly tired after a very hot and sticky day day and a hard game of squash. Next run Burn (Death) Valley on Sunday. Mad dogs and Englishmen springs to mind!

Did the Rainton 10k but didn't really feel like it. Was really tired and if I hadn't needed to complete the race for the Black Sheep Series then I would much preferred to have watched the battle between Gary Dunn and Darren Bilton. I was really sluggish up to the 2 mile marker then seemed to find my legs and worked my way up the field to complete the race in 43.51. Nice course and good of the local pub to put on a free buffet. Tracey enjoyed the run and came home in 53.49. Club run meets at Coneysthorpe on Thursday so should be a nice run around Castle Howard. The Burn Valley half marathon is next and I am looking forward to this as we don't seem to get many half marathons.

Very mediocre effort tonight

Just completed the 4thleg of the York road race league. York Knavesmire was the venue and I was fired up to go onder 41 minutes for the first time. Lots of encouragement from fellow Pickering runners but after 1k just had no energy. Started going backwards, or so it felt. Very warm and the thought of running round a boring flat course 3 times made me think about stopping. I decided to carry on and complete the run. Runner after runner came past me and I did manage to pick it up a touch for the last lap and get back past a few. Finished in 48m09s, a massive 7 mins more than Sunday. Oh well there is always next week.

Henham 10k

Just travelled back from Essex where we ran in the very family friendly village 10k. Great atmosphere and great to see so many kids running and running well. Managed to get a PB of 41m01s. Feel knackered now and will have to hope I can repeat this sort of form on Tuesday night at the York Road Race league at Knavesmire.